When i heard that my Uncle had passed away, I went through a myriad of emotions and it eventually ended with anger. I was angry that such a wonderful man was plucked away from us. Why him? I was angry that my son Stellan didn’t get to grow up under Papa’s guiding hand. But, after many tears, I realised that Uncle Steve had already impacted on 8year old Stel, that he wants to be just like his Papa. Usually a little boy wants to emulate Superman or Spiderman, but to my boy, Papa was his superhero…and even if he isn’t with us anymore, he has already left behind so much of himself.
Growing up in Durban we looked forward to my uncle coming from Newcastle and packing all the kids into his car and taking us out on fun outings. We loved it. Those were my earliest memories of him. He introduced us to the Message when we were youngsters. I was always amazed at how this quiet soft-spoken calm man could step behind a pulpit and with the Word bring grown men to their knees in tears. But, that same man, whose voice thundered out from behind the pulpit, was the most modest and shy when he was paid a compliment. He would just smile and coyly put his head down… uncomfortable with the attention.
I looked to my Uncle for so much and admit that I took him for granted, expecting him to always be around for us. He set the bar really high for us all. He loved us…mistakes and all. And never judged.
I will always remember his dry sense of humour. He would call me Scarce, instead of Kess, if he didn’t see me around for a bit. I wish we could have him back for just for a day, but then a day would not be enough.
Thank you Uncle Steve for all that you taught me, for the advice, for the unconditional love, for being a dad to me and for the Word you preached and lived. I will always love you and make sure we live our lives honouring the Word.
“The reason Pastor that you mean so much to me is that when I look at you, its Jesus I see. For in your footsteps I gratefully trod because I know that in following you, I am following God.”
Till we meet at Jesus feet…
With all my love,
Kess
